Rival factions within Nigeria’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) turned the party’s national headquarters into a battleground as violent clashes erupted at Wadata Plaza in Abuja. Supporters traded punches and fought for control on Tuesday amid an escalating power struggle that paralyzed the party’s secretariat.
Chaotic scenes unfolded as competing camps physically clashed while armed police officers intervened. Daily Trust photos captured the mayhem as factions loyal to newly elected chairman Kabiru Turaki battled supporters aligned with Nyesom Wike through his ally Samuel Anyanwu.
Roots of the Power Struggle
The confrontation stems from a bitter leadership dispute between opposing factions. Turaki’s camp enjoys support from governors including Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Bala Mohammed (Bauchi). The Wike-aligned faction challenged the legitimacy of the convention that installed Turaki as chairman.
Violent Takeover Attempt
The Anyanwu-Wike group arrived early to secure strategic positions within the secretariat. Turaki’s supporters later forced entry into the building with gubernatorial backing as police struggled to contain the chaos. Tear gas filled the air during physical altercations that saw both supporters and officers exchanging blows.
Defiant Leadership Statements
Governor Bala Mohammed declared: “We are not leaving. There is no court order stopping our meeting.” Turaki had earlier vowed to lead from the front saying: “We will hold our inaugural National Working Committee meeting tomorrow at 10 am.”
Meanwhile, the Wike faction maintains the previous leadership structure remains valid. They reject the convention outcome that established Turaki’s chairmanship.
Chaos Outside Headquarters
Protesters waved placards and shouted slogans outside Wadata Plaza as masked police fired tear gas. Witnesses reported police appearing divided with accusations of partiality during the violent standoff.
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